The team of volunteers will often be the first port of call for women and children in a crisis, and will be there to offer a listening ear, a kind word and to offer some short term emergency financial assistance. Whilst these are not volunteer caseworker roles, the duties of our volunteers will include (but not be limited to)

• Face to face and phone interviews of impacted individuals and families

• Making an assessment of immediate needs to determine what short term, emergency assistance will be required

• Making referrals to 3rd party professional service

• Providing follow up calls and appointments where required

• Some administration, record keeping and data entry

• Making reports to relevant department such as internal Safeguarding Team and Department of Community Services

Experience is not essential, however we are looking for volunteers with the following skills and attributes:

• Alignment with St Vincent de Paul Values of Commitment, Compassion, Respect, Integrity, Empathy, Advocacy and Courage

• Are confident in dealing with people in a crisis

• Are friendly and welcoming

• Have basic computer skills for emailing and data entry

• Can work as part of a team both remotely and in person

• Be able to follow processes and guidelines

• Be willing to commit to a minimum of 1 shift per month of up to 4 hours and attend majority of the monthly meetings

• Be able to complete a Working with Children Check and National Crime Check (initiated internally)

Full training and mentoring will be provided to the right candidates and this role can be completed remotely for some candidates. Office spaces are in Newcastle West and High Street Maitland.

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW (Vinnies) assists people experiencing poverty and inequality and works to shape a more just and compassionate society. We assist in offering “a hand up” to people in need. We do this by respecting their dignity, sharing our hope, and encouraging them to take control of their own destiny. The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is committed to being a Child Safe Organisation. Vinnies has developed a clear, accountable and transparent Policy and Procedures to ensure that it complies with relevant legislation and that all children and young people who come into contact with Vinnies are kept safe and are supported to the best of our capacity. St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is an Equal Opportunity host and is committed to engaging a diverse workforce. Vinnies strongly encourages applications from people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and mature aged applicants